How to Store Pole Dancing Shoes & Boots
Wipe pole shoes after class, let them air-dry, then store each pair in a breathable dust bag somewhere cool, dark and dry. Stand boots upright with boot shapers or rolled tissue so the shafts don’t crease, and loosen the laces. Keep clear heels out of the sun, which can yellow PVC, and never leave shoes in a hot car or seal damp shoes in plastic.
Storage checklist
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Wipe and air-dry after every class | Radiators and hairdryers to dry them |
| Breathable fabric dust bags, one pair each | Sealed plastic bags for damp shoes |
| Boot shapers or rolled tissue in shafts | Folding or stacking boots |
| Acid-free tissue or cedar shoe trees in toes | Newspaper, which can transfer ink |
| A cool, dark cupboard | Sunny windowsills, hot cars, damp basements |
After every class
- Wipe the platform and straps to remove dust and grip residue.
- Wipe the footbed and let the inside air-dry somewhere ventilated.
- Loosen laces on boots.
- Rotate pairs if you train on consecutive days so insoles can recover.
Storing boots
Tall boots keep their shape best stored upright with boot shapers (inflatable or cedar) or rolled tissue in the shafts. This stops the ankle and calf creasing. Don’t stack anything heavy on them.
Sun, heat and clear PVC
Long exposure to direct sun can yellow clear PVC, and heat can warp or cloud it. Heat and light are also hard on the glue holding rhinestones. Store clear and embellished heels in an opaque bag or box. See rhinestone shoes and clear heels.
Travelling with pole heels
- Put each shoe in its own fabric bag and stuff the toes with tissue.
- Wrap heels so they can’t dent other items.
- Carry expensive pairs in hand luggage where you can.
- Make sure shoes are fully dry before packing, and air them when you arrive.
Frequently asked questions
Should pole boots be stored upright?
Yes. Boot shapers or rolled tissue in the shafts stop the ankle and calf creasing. Loosen the laces first and don’t stack anything on top.
Can sunlight damage clear pole heels?
Yes. Long exposure to direct sun can yellow clear PVC, and too much heat can warp or cloud it. Store clear heels somewhere dark and cool.
How do I dry sweaty pole shoes?
Wipe them after class and let them air-dry somewhere ventilated before bagging. Avoid radiators and direct heat. Cedar shoe trees help absorb moisture and odour.
Are dust bags necessary for pole shoes?
Not essential, but they stop pairs scratching each other, which matters most for rhinestone, glitter and patent. Use breathable bags, not sealed plastic.
How should I travel with pole heels?
Bag each shoe separately, stuff the toes with tissue, wrap the heels and pack them dry. Hand luggage is safer for expensive pairs.
Sources
- Pleaser: Taking care of your Pleaser shoes
- Queenwear: Pleaser heels guide
- FootGearLab: Storing heels
Keep reading
How to protect pole shoes · Platform protectors · How to stretch Pleasers · Pole boots